The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593, michal@unm.edu

January 29, 2009

UNM Sees Surge in Applications

Applications to the University of New Mexico have increased substantially as of Jan. 25. Compared with the same period last year, undergraduate applicants have increased by 13 percent, from 2,923 to 3,313, and graduate applicants by 24 percent, from 1,584 to 1,970.

The greatest growth occurred among freshman applicants, with an increase of 59 percent from 396 to 630, followed closely by growth in first time applications to graduate programs, an increase of 53 percent from 627 to 962. Transfer applications increased by nine percent and re-admits by six percent. The only area that shows a drop off is undergraduate non-degree applications, which decreased by six percent.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Carmen Alvarez Brown attributed the increase in part to improvements in communication and new recruitment strategies with current students and applicants, including regular emails providing information and reminders.

The Division of Enrollment Management is also implementing new transfer initiatives, including a transfer hotline for prospective students, calling campaigns to incomplete applicants and admitted students, and increased visits to community colleges and branch campuses, including weekly visits to Central New Mexico Community College throughout the spring semester. The division is developing a simplified process to allow on the spot admission during community college visits.